Page 60 of Finding Out

Eyes burning, I blinked back tears. For a moment, I thought my legs might give out, but before I could fall, a set of strong arms embraced me from behind. I spun around and let Tom pull me into his chest.

“That was a disaster.” A single tear crested my lashes before I could stop it. “The exact type of chaos you hate.” I shook my head. “Maybe we’re not good for each other.”

“No.” He tightened his hold on me. “I hate chaos, but I was the cause of that clusterfuck. I should have talked to your dad before now.” Lips pressed to the crown of my head, he inhaled deeply. “And you’re wrong about that last part. You’re one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I might not be good for most people, but baby girl, I’m good for you. I’ll take care of every obstacle in our way to prove it.”

His every word was fierce, determined. I snuggled deeper into his chest. Everything was a mess right now. And yet I felt safe, protected, and cared for more than I ever had before.

“Let’s go home, baby girl.”

Home. The strangest part about tonight was that I already felt like I was home.

Me: Can we talk?

Avy: We have to. I realize that. But I’m not ready yet. So I’m not throwing a temper tantrum. I’m just saying give me some time okay Dad?

Me: As long as you need Avy. I love you.

Me: I know you’re mad, but man, you’re one of my best friends. Can we at least have a conversation?

Heath: Is she staying withyou?

Me: Yes.

Me: Heath, it’s been three hours. Come on.

Leo: You’re still alive, right?

Me: You’re not funny

Leo: You doing okay?

Me: I’m more worried about her than I am about myself.

Leo: Yeah, because you love her.

Me: So fucking much.

Leo: The good news is I no longer have competition for the title of your best man.

Me: I hate you.

Leo: I hope you laughed.

Chris: Since we weren’t planning a rehearsal dinner, Avery and I are just going to do a walk-through of the wedding with Puff on Friday. No one else is invited.

Me: Okay.

Chris: It’s not completely because she doesn’t want to see you. It will be better forPuff too.

Me: Sure

Avy: Could you come a little later than we originally planned on Saturday? I think it’ll be better if it’s just Mom until an hour or so before the wedding.

Me: Sure, Avy. Whatever you want.

By Monday,I still hadn’t bothered to get a new phone, which meant I was paying for a phone plan I wasn’t using. Tom offered to take me to pick up a new one. Instead, I’d snuggled with him and Caffrey on the sofa, unwilling to step outside my little bubble of peace. This morning, though, I was fully out of the bubble and back at work, which meant I needed a phone. And I needed a place to live.

I’d had the doorman let me in my apartment to grab some things this weekend, and Tom didn’t mind that I was staying with him. I’d been staying there every night anyway.

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